To: Faculty, Staff, and Students
From: President Ashish Vaidya
Date: 04/22/22
Subject: Sad News
Dear Campus Community:
With a heavy heart, I share news of the passing of William “Kevin” Rossell, who left us yesterday. Kevin, an alumnus, began his career at Northern Kentucky University in the 1990s as a student worker in Central Receiving and eventually was promoted to manager of Mail and Distribution Services in 2010. Within his role, Kevin undoubtedly had an impact across all areas of campus.
Kevin is remembered as a witty, caring, sincere and lovable person. Colleagues said he never wanted anyone to deal with issues by themselves. He would use the adage, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!” Acknowledged across the campus community for his work ethic, Kevin received of the Regents’ Distinguished Service Award in October 2004.
Rhett Clark, an IT client support specialist, said Kevin “was a staple in the mailroom and would often refer to his long-standing stature in this role as a ‘lifer’ at NKU. He worked hard to provide for his family and to be a shining example of what this world needs more of.”
Steve Slone, a specialist within Mail/Copy Services, said Kevin “was a true mentor and father figure to many as they undertook their college journey” and “a true family man in every sense of the word—both at home and at NKU.”
Losing a member of our campus community impacts each of us, so please remember it is always OK to ask for help. University Wellness provides the Employee Assistance Program through Aetna and offers online resources and counselors, which are available anytime.
Kevin’s passing will be felt across the university and especially in the NKU Mailroom. My sympathies go out to his wife, Connie, his daughter, Cori, his extended family, as well as the faculty, staff and students who befriended Kevin during his time at NKU. Kevin will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.Sincerely,
Ashish Vaidya
